What is so costly about a presidential transition?

[BrandonR]

From CNN:

After raising a staggering amount of money for the general election, President-elect Barack Obama must now rake in more cash for his transition and inauguration. There is about $9.74 million of taxpayer funds available to pay for the transition, but experts say that’s not enough.

Now I know $10 million is a drop in the bucket to the government, but since that $9.74 million isn’t enough to pay for the transition, what exactly is so costly about a new president coming into office? I’m just not seeing where $10+ million is needed here.

[anson2995]

@BrandonR

Now I know $10 million is a drop in the bucket to the government, but since that $9.74 million isn’t enough to pay for the transition, what exactly is so costly about a new president coming into office? I’m just not seeing where $10+ million is needed here.

They have to interview and vet candidates for something like 9000 appointed positions, and they have to draft and prepare to implement both executive and legislative policy. And they have to do all of this in less than 90 days.

[RealityChuck]

There’s also the basic logistics of moving the people from the previous administration out of their offices, and moving the new people in.

[anson2995]

… and new business cards for everyone.

[Colophon]

@anson2995

… and new business cards for everyone.

Yeah, and a new name plate for the door of the Prez’s office, and probably lots of headed stationery that needs to be ordered. Plus U-Haul can get pretty booked up over the holiday period. You can see how the costs would mount up.

[Cliffy]

Moreover, they have to pay for training for all of the new staff.

–Cliffy